Kellogg Honors College Recognizes Graduates, Celebrates Inclusive Excellence and Student Achievement
The Kellogg Honors College (KHC) continues to champion inclusive excellence by cultivating the talents of high-achieving students and fostering a supportive, close-knit community of scholars. With a commitment to enriching academic experiences, KHC offers students transformative opportunities that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Throughout their academic journey, KHC students engage in high-impact practices such as community engagement events, student research, internship placements, honors courses, and signature PolyX experiences. The activities deepen learning, build professional skills, and support strong outcomes in both academic and career pursuits.
“At the Kellogg Honors College, we are intentional about fostering a strong, inclusive community that promotes academic excellence and personal growth,” said Claudia Garcia Des-Lauriers, Kellogg Honors College director. “Through honors courses, retreats, civic engagement, a student club, and other enriching activities, we create a supportive environment where students can thrive. This sense of belonging doesn’t end at graduation—KHC serves as an early professional network, contributing to the strong outcomes of our graduates. Our community is our superpower, and it continues to uplift students well beyond their time at Cal Poly Pomona.”
The KHC celebrated the graduation of 36 students during a special ceremony on May 2 at the Kellogg House. These outstanding scholars completed rigorous honors coursework, participated in meaningful community service projects, and conducted senior research—all while maintaining exceptional GPAs.
For many students, the KHC experience has been a defining part of their time at CPP.
“I was surrounded by a community of driven, thoughtful students who constantly inspired me to think deeper and aim higher,” said Ilke Suzer, a KHC student double majoring in Finance, Real Estate & Law and Urban and Regional Planning.
“The synergy in our classes felt more like a graduate seminar—intellectually stimulating and collaborative. What stood out most was the support from the KHC advisors, like Dr. Garcia and Won, who not only knew my name but also my goals and aspirations. They became mentors and champions, guiding me through fellowship opportunities, grad school planning, and more. KHC helped shape my vision for the future, and I now plan to work for a few years before pursuing law school, with the ultimate goal of working in international policy. My biggest advice to future students: embrace the agency you have here—lead, explore, collaborate, and stay curious. This is a place where your ideas can truly come to life.”
Jaiden Camacho, Animal and Veterinary Science major, also reflected on the impact of his honors experience.
“Being part of the Kellogg Honors College meant joining a community of like-minded, curious individuals—and it quickly became where I found some of my closest friends, many from outside my major. The discussion-based honors courses, like one on conspiracy theories, made learning genuinely fun and engaging,” Camacho said. “KHC also opened doors for academic and professional growth, from conducting research with faculty to connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds. These experiences not only shaped my understanding of veterinary medicine but helped me grow as a person. After graduation, I’ll be attending The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with hopes of pursuing a career in veterinary neurology. The service and research opportunities through KHC strengthened my vet school application, but more than that, the people I met through KHC made me a better person—and I believe, a better future vet.”
For more information about Kellogg Honors College and how to apply, visit the website or contact them at honorscollege@cpp.edu.